Skywatchers are in for a spectacular start to the year as January’s full Wolf Moon lights up the night sky — and this time, it arrives as a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
When is the January full Wolf Moon?
The January full moon reaches its peak illumination at 5:03 a.m. EST (10:03 GMT) on January 3, when the moon sits directly opposite the sun and appears fully lit from Earth’s perspective.
This year’s Wolf Moon coincides with perigee, the closest point in the moon’s 27-day orbit around Earth. Because of this, it qualifies as a supermoon, which can look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the smallest full moon of the year, according to NASA.
If skies are clear, the moon will be visible throughout the night of January 2–3, with especially striking views around moonrise and moonset.
Full moon peak times around the world
Here’s when the moon reaches 100% illumination in major cities:
- New York: 5:03 a.m. EST
- London: 10:03 a.m. GMT
- Tokyo: 7:03 p.m. JST
- Beijing: 6:03 p.m. CST
- Sydney: 9:03 p.m. AEDT
(Local moonrise and moonset times may vary depending on your location.)
Best time to watch the Wolf Moon
For the most dramatic views, look east at sunset on January 2, and again on the evening of January 3, as the glowing lunar disk climbs above the horizon.
Near the horizon, the moon may appear yellow or orange, thanks to Rayleigh scattering — a phenomenon in which Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light while allowing redder wavelengths to pass through. This effect also contributes to the popular “moon illusion,” where the moon appears much larger when it’s low in the sky.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon?
January’s full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, a name believed to reference the howling wolf packs heard during harsh winter months. According to historical records and folklore:
- It was also called the “Quiet Moon”, reflecting the stillness of midwinter.
- Canada’s Indigenous Assiniboine people referred to it as the “Center Moon”, marking the middle of the winter season.
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists another name — the “Severe Moon” — highlighting January’s bitter cold and austere conditions.
Cultural significance
The January full moon coincides with Duruthu Poya Day in Sri Lanka, an important Buddhist festival commemorating Buddha’s first visit to the country and the establishment of its first Buddhist temple.
What else to see in the sky
The Wolf Moon isn’t the only celestial highlight this month.
- On the night of January 2–3, the moon rises in the constellation Gemini, with Jupiter shining less than four degrees to its right at sunset on January 3.
- The iconic winter constellation Orion will be visible above the southeastern horizon, while the Hyades star cluster forms a sideways “V” in Taurus, with the glowing Pleiades nearby.
- Saturn will appear in the southwestern sky near the constellation Pisces, while the Square of Pegasus can be spotted higher up before setting around midnight.
Quadrantid meteor shower adds drama
The Wolf Moon coincides with the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on the night of January 2–3. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, the shower can produce up to 25 meteors per hour, radiating from the constellation Boötes.
However, in 2026, the bright near-full moon will wash out many fainter meteors. Still, the brightest fireballs should remain visible from midnight to dawn, offering an added treat for patient observers.
Tips for observing and photographing the Wolf Moon
A full moon reveals the entire Earth-facing side of the lunar surface, making it ideal for photographing lunar seas, impact craters, and bright ejecta rays.
You don’t need special equipment to enjoy the view — the Wolf Moon is stunning to the naked eye — but photography enthusiasts can follow these tips:
- Use a tripod to keep your camera steady
- Trigger the shutter with a remote or timer to avoid shake
- Use a stargazing app to find your exact local moonrise
- A 12–50 mm lens works well for landscape shots, while 400 mm or more is ideal for surface detail
- Capture the moon near the horizon for dramatic size and colour, or overhead for a cleaner, whiter look
Smartphones with optical zoom (around 5x) and night or astronomy modes can also produce impressive results.
A rare supermoon worth watching
The January Wolf Moon is the last supermoon until November 2026, making this event particularly special. With a bright full moon, nearby planets, winter constellations, and a meteor shower peaking at the same time, the night sky offers a rare convergence of celestial beauty.
Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer or simply stepping outside to look up, January’s Wolf Moon promises a memorable start to the year for skywatchers everywhere.
